CBA Awards Program

Each year, the California Bus Association honors excellence in safety, service, maintenance, leadership, and innovation — spotlighting the people and companies who set the standard and move our industry forward. These awards celebrate not only achievement, but also the values that define the California Bus Association and the motorcoach community: professionalism, integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

It is important that EACH OPERATOR MEMBER take advantage of this opportunity to recognize your employees, your company, or your peers. Each of you has someone to be proud of, and we would like the entire CBA Membership have the opportunity to appreciate them.

Time Saving Tip - Do you hate filling out forms? Did you submit an application last year for an outstanding driver or maintenance technician? Want to save some time? Contact Alice Lemon at the CBA office and ask to resubmit last year's application for the upcoming year's awards. For a driver  application you will need to submit an updated Motor Vehicle report.

Our major sponsors go to great lengths in their support of our CBA activities EVERY YEAR. It is important that, as Operator Members, we make them feel that they are appreciated and that they are getting a “bang for their buck”!!!!

As a reminder, all nominees' employers or businesses must be CBA members in good standing in order to be considered for an award. We are happy to reach out to any member whose employee or company is under consideration to resolve any concerns.

Please check back with us in the summer for the 2026 Award Nomination Forms. Watch your inbox for notification.

We invite all CBA Operator members to share your 2026 nominations for the following award categories:

Operator of the Year

This peer-nominated award recognizes a California motorcoach company that exemplifies the very best our industry has to offer. The honored CBA operator member demonstrates excellence across the board: engaging in sound business practices, maintaining a strong safety record, and embracing innovation in marketing, operations, and customer service. As a responsible corporate citizen and active community partner, the recipient sets a high bar — not only raising the standards for fellow operators, but also enhancing the reputation of the motorcoach industry as a whole.

Vickie Cole Memorial Award for Women in Leadership
Sponsored by Prevost

The Vickie Cole Memorial Award for Women in Leadership is established to honor the legacy of Vickie Cole, a dedicated leader and trailblazer in the motorcoach industry. Vickie’s journey, rising from a school bus driver to a motorcoach driver and eventually to Co-Owner of a bus company alongside her business partner, Charles Williams, is a testament to her determination, leadership, and passion for the industry.

This award serves to remember Vickie and to honor her lifelong commitment to mentoring, challenging, and championing women in the industry. Through this award, we aim to recognize women who, like Vickie, embody the spirit of leadership, innovation, and dedication to the motorcoach world.

Driver of the Year
Sponsored by Lancer Insurance

Presented annually to two exceptional CBA Member motorcoach drivers — one representing a small operator and one from a large operator — this award honors individuals who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, safety, customer service, and dedication behind the wheel. These drivers go above and beyond in their role, serving as ambassadors for the industry and earning the trust of their passengers, their employers, and the communities they serve. The award recognizes not only safe driving records, but also leadership, reliability, and the ability to positively represent their company and the California motorcoach industry.

Participation in the 2025 and/or 2026 Dennis Easley Memorial Driver Skills Competition also counts toward the nomination — so if your driver took part (or plans to), they’re already earning points!

Maintenance Technician of the Year
Sponsored by MCI

This award honors a CBA maintenance professional whose expertise, work ethic, and commitment to safety and reliability make a lasting impact on their operation and the passengers it serves. The recipient demonstrates technical excellence, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to fleet care — keeping vehicles road-ready, minimizing downtime, and upholding the highest maintenance standards in the motorcoach industry. Whether turning a wrench, mentoring others, or solving problems behind the scenes, this individual plays a critical role in keeping California’s coaches running safely and smoothly.

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CBA 2025 Operator of the Year

Pictured above (left to right) are CBA 2025 Operator of the Year winner, Bruce Ebmeyer, President, Ebmeyer Charter and Tour with  Dallon Ebmeyer, Ebmeyer Charter and Tour Manager, CBA 2024 Operator of the Year winner, Charles Williams, American Stage Tours, CBA President, Michael Giddens, CBA President, and Terry Bryant, Vice President, Ebmeyer Charter and Tour.

CBA / Prevost 2025 Vickie Cole Memorial Award for Women in Leadership

Pictured above (left to right) is our CBA 2025 winner of the Vickie Cole Memorial Award for Women in Leadership, Jodi Merritt, President, H & L Charter, with Award Sponsor Prevost's John Busskohl, CBA President, Vickie Cole's Business Partner and Colleague, Charles Williams, American Stage Tours, and CBA President Michael Giddens.

CBA / Motor Coach Industries 2025 Maintenance Technician of the Year

Pictured above (left to right) is Tim Nash, Technical Solutions Western Regional Manager of Award Sponsor Motor Coach Industries, Gold Coast Tours' Owner, Brooke Hartley-Jones, with our CBA 2025 Maintenance Technician of the Year, William Wondolowski, Gold Coast Tours, and CBA President, Michael Giddens.

CBA / Lancer Insurance Company 2025 Outstanding Driver of the Year (small operator)

Pictured above (left to right) are Danielle Smith of Award Sponsor Lancer Insurance, Victoria Davis, General Manager, H.B. Limo Services, accepting the award for this year's winner, Lonnie Reynolds, Owner, H.B. Limo Services, Award Sponsor Lancer Insurance's Kimberlee Bissegger, and  CBA President, Michael Giddens,.

CBA / Lancer Insurance Company 2025 Outstanding Driver of the Year (large operator)

Pictured above (left to right) are Danielle Smith and Kimberlee Bissegger of Award Sponsor Lancer Insurance, with CBA 2025 Driver of the Year, Large Operator, Jose Retana Valenzuela of Lux Bus America, and CBA President, Michael Giddens.

Click here to view a list of our past award winners.